The article details a multi-modal spatial characterization of tumor immune microenvironments in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Researchers used highly multiplexed spatial transcriptomics (CosMx) and proteomics (CODEX) on 78 DLBCL tumors to define seven distinct cellular niches characterized by unique cell compositions and communication patterns. The study reveals that the functional states of T-cells and tumor B-cells differ significantly based on the niche they inhabit, with T-cells in specific niches showing varying levels of cytotoxicity and exhaustion markers. Furthermore, the paper highlights unique immune landscapes in lymphomas from immune-privileged sites and EBV-positive DLBCLs, suggesting these distinct microenvironments could be targets for improved immunotherapeutic strategies.

References:

• Dai Y, Kizhakeyil A, Chihara D, et al. Multi-modal spatial characterization of tumor immune microenvironments identifies targetable inflammatory niches in diffuse large B cell lymphoma[J]. Nature Genetics, 2025: 1-13.